Facts About EMT Programs In Alabama

Because there are different rules governing the EMT profession in different states, it is important that you attend an EMT program that is recognized within your own state. Fortunately there are a large number of EMT programs in Alabama for you to choose form that will allow you to achieve your goal of becoming an EMT. The rules may differ from other states, so make sure that you are completely clear of what is expected of you in Alabama.

Major Industries And Employers Of EMTs In Alabama

In Alabama EMTs are generally found in general medical and surgical hospitals (this is the most common location for EMTs to be employed in Alabama), colleges and universities, employment services, offices of physicians, other support services, outpatient care centers, power generation and supply industries, and ship and boat building companies.

The main employers of EMTs in Alabama are the following:

Alabama Hospital Assn (General Medical and Surgical Hospitals)

Alabama A & M University (Colleges and Universities)

Able Body Labor (Employment Services)

Kirklin Clinic (Offices of Physicians)

Afni Incorporated (Other Support Services)

Alabama Dialysis Services (Outpatient Care Centers)

The hourly wage for an EMT working in Alabama is about $8.37 for entry level positions, $14.56 on average and about $24.81 for the top earners in the industry. The annual wage you can expect to earn in the region of $17,410 a year if you are in an entry level position, $30,270 a year on average, and about $51,610 a year if you are lucky enough to be one of the top earners in the state of Alabama. The overall US average for EMTs is $9.48 for entry level positions and $24.70 for top earners, so Alabama compares well overall as a good state to complete an EMT training program. There are some basic requirements that you will need to meet in all states in order to become an EMT, including Alabama. You must be at least 18 years old, you must have a high school diploma or GED, and you must have a valid state driver’s license. If you meet these basic requirements and are willing to do the training involved through one of the EMT programs in Alabama, you will soon be an EMT.

Alabama EMT Training

There are two main types of EMT training programs that you can do in the state of Alabama in order to become an EMT. These are as follows:

You can choose to complete a basic EMT training program. This should last a semester or two, and includes basic emergency care, basic clinical, and basic EMT skills courses, awarding an EMT certificate at the end.

You can choose to complete a paramedic program, which takes longer (up to two years) and awards either a certificate or an associate degree, allowing graduates to apply for a paramedic license.

Clearly a more advanced qualification will increase your chances of employment and provide you with more prestige within the profession. the basic requirements that are true of all states (namely that you must be at least 18 years old, you must have a high school diploma or GED, and you must have a valid state driver’s license) hold true for all EMT programs in Alabama but some schools may have additional prerequisites that you will need to adhere to before you can begin training. For example you may need to hold a CPR certificate before you can be allowed to enter a training program to become an EMT.

There are two components to EMT training:

You need to get hands-on experience in emergency medical situations as this is the only way to ensure that you fully understand what is expected of you.

In addition you must complete textbook learning of theory work.

Advanced EMT courses and paramedic courses will also require you to complete courses in the following subjects:

Anatomy and physiology

Cardiovascular electrophysiology (uses crash carts and paddles)

Patient management

The training you will receive in Alabama is quite similar to the training you will receive elsewhere.

EMT Certification Requirements In Alabama

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Exam is an examination that certifies EMTs in most states, including Alabama, and it is therefore this exam that you will need to pass in order to become an EMT. Passing this exam will earn you certification as an EMT. However it does not earn you the right to practice as an EMT. It does allow you to apply to write the licensing exam that all EMTs must undergo before they can practice. NREMT re-certification occurs every two years for EMTs who wish to continue practicing. This test, which costs around $70 in Alabama, measures the knowledge of the potential EMT by increasing or lessening the difficulty of the test questions depending on whether the potential EMT passed or failed the previous question. This test is computerized. In addition you must complete a psychomotor exam which is hands-on and overseen by an examiner. This is the real test as it determines whether or not you actually have what it takes to be an EMT. To take the test you must contact the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma for testing.

To be licensed the prospective EMT must apply to sit the exam at one of the 20 sites in Alabama offer the practical licensing exam. This will cost around $75. The two main topics that will be tested are:

CPR

The ability of the candidate to manage an emergency vehicle

It should also cover many of the same topics tested in the NREMT. For more information:

When choosing EMT programs in Alabama, be sure to make your choice carefully as the program that you select at this point in your career may affect your future as an EMT. Although the financial aspect is a consideration try not to base your entire decision on the relative cost of programs as the most expensive schools are not always the best ones. In addition, the cheapest schools are not always the worst. There are a number of factors that you will need to keep in mind.